SARATOGA SPRINGS -- The Academy for Lifelong Learning is marking its 20th anniversary of offering adults a wide range of educational programs in the Spa City.

ALL is a nonprofit, member-driven organization sponsored by SUNY Empire State College that offers non-credit academic programs for adults. It is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with programs emphasizing the year-long theme "Nourish Your Body, Nourish Your Mind."

"We're doing a lot with food, healthy living and academics that go along with the theme," Executive Director Jo-Ellen Unger said.

She said ALL has European origins.

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"A member of the community, Marianne Finnegan, had heard of institutions throughout Europe known as Universities of the Third Age for academic learners over 55. Finnegan was an employee of Empire State College when she inquired if the college would sponsor such a program," Unger said.

ALL offers academic courses in the arts, sciences and humanities.

"We've given older people the opportunity to go on learning in any way they are most comfortable. Members are able to learn and find new interests they may have never discovered until the Academy. I think our program keeps them vital and active by social and intellectual stimulation," Unger said.

Member Lou Tirelli, chairman of ALL's Curriculum Committee, is a retired engineer and became involved with the academy in 2004. He said he has enjoyed learning, traveling and leading.

"I usually take at least two courses each term. We used to hike in the Adirondacks. We got exercise, and presentations were given that touched on a lot of subjects. I've taken a lot of history courses. I led a course on veterans speaking, during which World War II veterans talked about their experiences," Tirelli said.

Pat Davis, chairwoman of ALL's executive council, has played a part in the organization throughout its history.

"My mother was a pilot member when it was founded 20 years ago. As soon I was able to retire in 2007, I joined," she said.

Over the years, Davis has been a committee member, assistant editor of the newsletter and leader of the popular Speaker Series.

"Most of my social life revolves around ALL and the people I have met in the courses and committees," she said.

Classes listed as a "study group" are also courses.

"We use this terminology because we want the leader and students to be interactive. It is more of an exchange of ideas rather than a teacher educating students," Tirelli said.

Study groups are kept small to foster participation, usually consisting of no more than 30 participants and as few as 15. While there are no formal homework assignments or examinations, participants are expected to participate in discussion and question and answer.

"We don't ask leaders to lecture for two hours. Our members are quite vocal and they like to get involved," Tirelli added.

No prerequisites are necessary to register, and although most members range in age from 55 to 92, Unger assured, "we don't card people on the way in."

Members may enroll in up to three study groups each term that endure from four to eight weeks during fall and spring semesters. Most study groups meet for two hours weekly Monday through Thursday at locations throughout Saratoga Springs.

Members enjoy special features and programs that are free and open to the public and also can embark on tours of regional sites in travel programs.

"We're able to visit locations within two hours of travel. Visiting these places allowed me to explore the area more. I sketch what I see and I awakened my own artistic ability," Tirelli said.

He urged people to "give it a chance and do and see things you never would have otherwise. It's low pressure; you can be a bump on a log or an active participant."

The next program, "Identity Theft, Senior Scams and Cybersecurity," will be April 19 and is free and open to the public.

The upcoming spring term will begin April 8. Information regarding ALL and its spring itinerary can be found at www.esc.edu/all or by calling 587-2100, ext. 2415.